Appreciating Sacred Space and Time

Do you ever feel like your life has gotten stuck on a “fast forward” setting? Our modern world is so busy, so much to do, so much to see, so much to accomplish before the end of each day – we can speed walk, speed talk, speed type, speed eat, and speed drive right through the days, weeks, months and years of our lives.

Maybe it makes us feel productive. Or maybe it unnecessarily keeps us stuck in a “fight or flight” response, endlessly pumped up on caffeine and adrenaline. This pressurized state can be beneficial at certain times, like when you’ve got an important deadline and need to stay focused and efficient. But trying to live you entire life like this is just asking for trouble. Burnout, stress-related illness, and disconnection from your inner self will definitely result.

Today’s exercise shares a great technique to help you slip out of the whole “hurried and harried” state and glide easily into a state of inner peace, balance, and centeredness. Ironically, the more relaxed and peaceful you feel, the more easily you’ll be able to concentrate, and the more natural energy you will have – which means you’ll probably be able to accomplish just as much as you did before — you’ll just feel a LOT better as you do it.

Appreciating Sacred Space and Time

photo credit: eflon

Everyone should have a little “sacred space” that they can call their own.

It could be a corner of your bedroom, a secluded spot in the basement, or an unused guest room. Set up a little table and chair in this place, or even a pillow on the floor if you want.

Clear away anything unnecessary so your sacred space will have a clean, fresh feeling.

Start and end each day by sitting quietly in this space with a journal or notebook. Take a few minutes to close your eyes and breathe deeply, slowing and quieting your thoughts and releasing stress from your body.

When you feel relaxed, begin writing similar statements to the ones below: (These are just my examples, be sure to come up with statements that feel good to you!)

I appreciate this little sacred space I have carved out for myself.

I deserve to have some time and space to myself.

This space feels really good to me.

I think I’m going to enjoy spending time here.

I appreciate having this moment to relax and center myself.

I always feel so good when I slow down and take life a little easier.

I think I’m going to be dedicated about doing this each day.

I appreciate silence and stillness.

I appreciate being able to connect with my inner self in silence.

I appreciate how much calmer I feel when I’m connected within.

I appreciate how life seems to slow down and become easier when I’m connected to my inner self.

I really love it when my life just seems to F L O W.

The more relaxed I am, the more I move into that state of flow.

I think I’m really liking this idea of sacred space and time more and more!

I deserve to take this time for myself!

I’m a hard worker and I’m busy, but I am worthy of some downtime each day.

Downtime rejuvenates me and recharges my spiritual batteries.

And I always feel better when I’m well-rested and clear-headed.

All of those chores and obligations will get done; I don’t even have to worry about it.

Because the better I feel, the more productive I will be.

And sitting here quietly makes me feel good. No, GREAT. It makes me feel great.

I love the feelings of peace and serenity that are flowing through me now.

I can see how these positive feelings will spread through my entire life.

I’ll feel happier and calmer if I do this on a regular basis.

And it only takes a few minutes to feel a big improvement in my mood!

That is awesome to realize.

I am so happy I created this little space for myself.

I am so happy that I took this time to be kind to myself.

I am definitely looking forward to doing this again very soon!

Continue on with the positive, appreciative statements for as long as you like and continue with your day once you feel happy, light and energized.

Then be sure to keep giving yourself permission to slip away to your sacred space at least once per day, but more often if you can. Even if you only spend 5 or 10 minutes sitting quietly and focusing on better thoughts, you should see a huge improvement in your overall mood.

You will approach your life from a much more relaxed, happy state of mind, and you’d be amazed at the wonderful things that will be drawn to you as a result.